Transmission device capable of printing out transmission maintenance report

ABSTRACT

To provide a transmission device capable of preventing user from performing erroneous operations when erasure or printing of backup data. When the transmission device receives facsimile data from a remote transmission device, a memory stores the facsimile data as backup data and also stores reception data relating to the facsimile data. The reception data includes data of reception time, reception date, name and telephone number of a transmission source of the facsimile data. Printing of the reception data is performed automatically at a predetermined timing and whenever the user wises so as to provide a transmission maintenance information. The user can gain an understanding of backup data stored in the memory by examining the report, and can determined whether or not printing and/or erasure of the backup data should be performed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transmission device capable oftransmission and printing of facsimile data.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, there has been known a facsimile device including an inkjet printer capable of printing an image on a recording sheet based onfacsimile data. The printer includes a cartridge storing ink and a printhead formed with ink passages and nozzles. Ink in the cartridge issupplied through the ink passages and elected through the nozzles towarda recording sheet, thereby forming an image on the recording sheet.

However, the ink passages can be clogged with ink, so that ink electionbecome defective. In order to determine whether the ink passages areclogged or not, an indication mark, such as a circular black dot, isprinted at a predetermined position on the recording sheet, and then, amark sensor attempts to detect the indication mark. If the mark sensorcannot properly detect the indication mark, it is determined that theprinting is defective.

When printing is determined to be defective, a message is displayed on adisplay screen to inform the user of this condition. Also, the facsimiledevice is switched to its memory mode wherein received facsimile data isstored as backup data in a memory without printing of the facsimile databeing performed.

However, in this type of facsimile device, external light invading intothe facsimile device during detection of the indication mark caninfluence the mark sensor, so that detection of the indication mark doesnot accurately reflects the actual indication mark. As a result, thefacsimile device can be erroneously switched into the memory receptionmode even when printing is being properly performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome this problem, it is conceivable to provide a lightsensor for detecting external light. Based on detection results from thelight sensor and the mark sensor, the facsimile device can performeither merely printing of facsimile data or both printing and storing offacsimile data.

However, in this case, a user needs to erase backup data from the memoryat an appropriate timing. Otherwise, the memory will soon be filled upwith backup data. When the memory is filled with backup data, noadditional facsimile data can be stored in the memory, resulting in lossof newly received facsimile data. Also, because not all receivedfacsimile data is stored as backup data, the user will not know whichfacsimile data has been backed up.

It is conceivable to display information relating to facsimile data onthe display screen. However, the display screen of the facsimile deviceis generally relatively small, for example, much smaller than atelevision screen. Therefore, the information displayed on such a smalldisplay screen is difficult to read. This may cause the user to deletethe wrong backup data from the memory or to perform printing of thewrong backup data. It is conceivable to provide a scroll function to thedisplay screen so that the information can be displayed in a larger sizebut only partially on the display screen. However, operations forscrolling the information are troublesome for the user.

It is an objective of the present invention to overcome theabove-described problems and also to provide a transmission devicecapable of coping with external light and at the same time greatlyreducing troublesome and erroneous operations performed by a user duringprinting of or erasure of data stored in a memory.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method ofand a program storage medium storing a program of controlling thetransmission device.

In order to achieve the above and other objectives, there is provided atransmission device including, a frame defining an internal space, areceiving unit, a buffer memory, an information memory, a storagemember, a print unit, a first sensor, a second sensor, a backup memory,and first control means. The receiving unit is connected to a remotetransmission device and receives image data from the remote transmissiondevice. The buffer memory temporarily stores the image data. Theinformation memory stores managing data relating to a managinginformation about the image data. The storage member that stores andsupplies recording material. The print unit prints an image based on theimage data, an indication mark, and the managing information based onthe managing data on a recording medium having a print region and anoutside region outside the print region. The print unit prints the imagewithin the print area and the indication mark at a first predeterminedposition in the outside region using the recording material. The firstsensor detects the indication mark printed on the recording medium at asecond predetermined position within the internal space and outputs amark detection signal. The second sensor detects external light at thepredetermined position and outputs a light detection signal. The firstcontrol means controls the backup memory to store the image data inresponse to at least one of the mark detection signal and the lightdetection signal.

There is also provided a program storage medium storing a program ofcontrolling a transmission device including a frame defining an internalspace. The program comprises a reception program of receiving imagedata, a buffer memory program of temporarily storing the image data into a buffer memory, an information memory program of storing managingdata relating to a managing information about the image data into aninformation memory, a first print program of printing an image based onthe image data and an indication mark when the image data is received ona recording medium, a first detecting program of detecting theindication mark printed on the recording medium at a predeterminedposition within the internal space, a first determining program ofdetermining whether the indication mark is detected properly or falsely,a second detecting program of attempting to detect external light at thepredetermined position, a second determining program of determiningwhether or not external light is detected at the predetermined position,and a storing program of storing the image data into a backup memory inresponse to at least one of a detection result relating to theindication mark and a detection result relating to external light.

Further, there is provided a method of controlling a transmission deviceincluding a frame defining an internal space. The method comprises thesteps of receiving image data, temporarily storing the image data into abuffer memory, storing managing data relating to a managing informationabout the image data into an information memory, printing an image basedon the image data and an indication mark when the image data is receivedon a recording medium, detecting the indication mark printed on therecording medium at a predetermined position within the internal space,determining whether the indication mark is detected properly or falsely,attempting to detect external light at the predetermined position,determining whether or not external light is detected at thepredetermined position, and storing the image data into a backup memoryin response to at least one of a detection result relating to theindication mark and a detection result relating to external light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as otherobjects will become more apparent from the following description takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a facsimile device as an example of atransmission device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart representing a reception routine of the facsimiledevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart representing a portion of a first routine of thefacsimile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing a remaining portion of the firstroutine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing a second routine of the facsimiledevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing a third routine of the facsimiledevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representing a fourth routine of the facsimiledevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing a printing results inquiry routine ofthe facsimile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing an ink clog routine of the facsimiledevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing an ink empty routine of thefacsimile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing a post-cleaning routine of thefacsimile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart representing a manual erasure routine of thefacsimile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13(a) is a view showing a message inquiring a user of necessity ofprinting of backup data;

FIG. 13(b) is a view showing YES and NO selection displayed inalternation with the message of FIG. 13(a);

FIG. 14 is a view showing a message informing the user that a printingoperation is presently being performed;

FIG. 15(a) is a view showing a message asking the user whether areceived facsimile message should be printed out;

FIG. 15(b) is a view showing YES and NO selection displayed inalternation with the message of FIG. 15(a);

FIG. 16(a) is a view showing a message asking the user a permission toerase backup data from a RAM;

FIG. 16(b) is a view showing YES and NO selection displayed inalternation with the message of FIG. 16(a);

FIG. 17 is a view showing a message informing the user that there is nobackup data stored in the RAM;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a transmission maintenancereport outputted by the facsimile device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 19 is a flowchart representing a transmission maintenance reportpreparation routine for preparing the transmission maintenance report ofFIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A transmission device according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will be described while referring to the accompanying.

In the present embodiment, a facsimile device including an ink jetprinter will be described as an example of the transmission deviceaccording to the present invention. It should be noted that in thefollowing description, the expression “at reception of facsimile data”is used throughout the description to define a specific time whenfacsimile device is being received by the facsimile device beforeprinting or storing of the facsimile data is started.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing electrical components of the facsimiledevice. The facsimile device includes a center processing unit (CPU) 1,a network control unit (NCU) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, a modem4, a read only memory (ROM) 5, an electrically erasable and programmableread only memory (EEPROM) 6, a gate array 7, a codec 8, a direct memoryaccess controller (DMAC) 9, a reading portion 11, a printing portion 12,an operation portion 13, and a display portion 14. The CPU 1, the NCU 2,the RAM 3, the modem 4, the ROM 5, the EEPROM 6, the gate array 7, thecodec 8, and DMAC 9 are connected together by a bus line. Although notshown in the drawings, the bus line includes an address bus, data bus,and a control signal line. The reading portion 11, the printing portion12, the operation portion 13, and the display portion 14 areindividually connected to the gate array 7. The modem 4 and the codec 8are connected to the NCU 2. The NCU 2 is further connected to atransmission line, that is, a telephone line 21 in this embodiment. Theprinting portion 12 includes a mark sensor 15.

The CPU 1 performs overall control of the facsimile device. The NCU 2performs network control. The RAM 3 has a plurality of regions andstores a variety of data, such as received facsimile data, receivedvoice data, and response message data, in each predetermined region.Specifically, the RAM 3 has a buffer region and a storage region. Thebuffer region temporality stores received facsimile data. The storageregion stores backup reception data and backup transmission data whichis collectively referred to as backup data hereinafter. A battery (notshown), such as rechargeable battery, provides a backup power source tothe RAM 3. The modem 4 modulates transmission data and demodulatesreception data. The ROM 5 stores data of a variety of programs andinitial setting values. The EEPROM 6 stores dot counters, a mark flag, abackup flag, a flag A, a flag B, and a flag C in predeterminedcorresponding regions, and also stores resister values for thesecounters and flags. Each of these flags can be selectively set to avalue of 1 and 0. When the value of the flag is 1, the flag is referredto as being ON. On the other hand, if the value of the flag is 0, theflag is referred to as being OFF.

The flag A, the flag B, and the flag C indicate whether or not anindication mark could be properly detected while printing of backup dataas described later. The gate array 7 functions as an input and outputinterface for the CPU 1, and performs a variety of image processes, suchas analog-to-digital conversion for image signals outputted from thereading portion 11. The codec 8 encodes transmission data and decodesreceived facsimile data. Also, when the facsimile device is in itsanswering machine mode, the codec 8 converts response message datastored in the RAM 3 into analog voice signals and outputs the signals tothe NCU 2, and also converts analog voice signals from the NCU 2 intovoice data and stores the data into the RAM 3. The DMAC 9 stores data inand retrieves data from the RAM 3.

The reading portion 11 includes a light source, a color charge coupleddevice (CCD), an image sensor, and a document feed motor (not shown).The reading portion 11 outputs analog color image signals.

The printing portion 12 includes a printing device (not shown), such asan ink jet printing device in the present embodiment, and the marksensor 15. The printing device performs printing of data, that is,prints an image based on the data, within a print area of a recordingsheet. The data includes received facsimile data, retrieved image data,and transmission maintenance information data. The printing device alsoprints an indication mark at a predetermined position outside of theprint area and close to a rear edge of the recording sheet.

The printing device includes an ink tank, a print head, and a movingmechanism. The ink tank, which is a cartridge type in this embodiment,is freely detachably mounted on the print head. The ink tank storesblack ink and three or more different colored inks separately. The printhead is formed with a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of inkpassages connecting the nozzles with the ink tank. Each differentcolored ink is supplied from the ink tank through the ink passages andejected through the nozzles onto the recording sheet. The movingmechanism moves the print head in a main scanning direction duringprinting operations. In this way, a band's worth of image, that is, oneline corresponding to the number of nozzles of each color, can beprinted simultaneously.

It should be noted that monochrome printing can be performed with blackink only if desired. In the present embodiment, an image is printed inmonochrome using black colored ink only.

After printing of one page's worth of facsimile data has been completed,the indication mark is printed on the recording sheet at thepredetermined position. The indication mark can be a small blackcircular dot and is used to indicate whether the ink passages areclogged up. The mark sensor 15 is a reflection type photoelectric tubeand has a light source, such as a light emitting diode. The mark sensor15 detects the indication mark printed on the recording sheet and alsoexternal light intruding into the facsimile device. Detection of theindication mark is performed when a feeding mechanism (not shown) feedsthe recording sheet so that the indication mark is brought into apredetermined mark detecting position.

The printing portion 12 also includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaningthe ink passages from the cartridge to the nozzles. The cleaningmechanism uses a motor-driven pump to circulate each different coloredink through the ink passages. Because the cleaning mechanism has awell-know configuration, detailed description of the cleaning mechanismwill be omitted.

The operation portion 13 includes a numeral pad formed from a pluralityof key switches, and outputs an operation signal according to keyswitches operated by the user.

The display portion 14 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD). Thedisplay portion 14 displays a variety of messages and symbols on the LCDunder control of the CPU 1.

Next, an explanation will be provided for main operations of thefacsimile device. When the facsimile device receives facsimile data froma remote facsimile device, the facsimile device performs operationsaccording to combined settings of the mark flag and the backup flagstored in the EEPROM 6.

The mark flag represents whether an indication mark should be printed ona recording sheet or not. The backup flag represents whether receivedfacsimile data should be backed up under predetermined conditions. Themark flag and the backup flag are both set to ON when the facsimiledevice is originally shipped from a manufacture factory. The user canfreely change the ON and OFF setting of the mark flag and the backupflag separately by operating predetermined key switches of the operationportion 13. For example, when two predetermined key switches provided tothe operation portion 13 are simultaneously pressed, then the mark flagis switched from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON. The backup flag in thesame way can be switched from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.

The user is provided with instructions on how to switch setting of themark flag in, for example, an instruction manual of the facsimiledevice. However, instructions on how to switch settings of the backupflag will only be disclosed to users making a specific request for theinformation. This is because it is assumed that only an extremely smallnumber of users will want to prevent back up of received data.

First, the situation will be described for when both the mark flag andthe backup flag are ON, that is, both have values set to 1, and when noexternal light impinges on the mark sensor 15. When the facsimile devicereceives facsimile data under these conditions, the printing portion 12performs printing of one page's worth of the facsimile data on therecording sheet using black ink. After printing is completed, theindication mark is printed on the recording sheet at the predeterminedposition. When the indication mark printed on the recording sheet istransported to the predetermined mark detecting position, the marksensor 15 detects the indication mark. If the indication mark isproperly detected, it is determined that the indication mark has beenprinted properly. Then, the same operations are repeated whileattempting to detect external light within the facsimile device until afinal page is printed out.

On the other hand, if the indication mark cannot be properly detected ona specific page while no external light is detected within the facsimiledevice, it is determined that the ink passages are clogged. Then, thefacsimile device is switched to its memory reception mode starting fromthe specific page on which the indication mark in question was printed.That is, the printing portion 12 stops printing of the facsimile data,and the facsimile data for the present and subsequent pages is stored asbackup reception data in the RAM 3.

Then, after reception of the facsimile data is completed, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD a message informing the user that the inkpassages for black ink are clogged and that the ink passages need to becleaned. After the user operates predetermined key switches to input acommand for cleaning of the ink passages, cleaning processes areexecuted accordingly. Then, the printing portion 12 automaticallyperforms printing of the backup reception data and the indication mark.If the indication mark is properly detected for every page, then thebackup reception data is automatically erased from the RAM 3. If theindication mark for any page is not properly detected, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD a message asking the user whether or notprinting has been properly performed. If the user indicates thatprinting has been properly performed, then the backup reception data isdeleted from the RAM 3. The user can indicate proper printing byoperating certain key switches.

Next, the situation will be described for when external light isdetected. If external light intrudes into the facsimile device, theindication mark may not be properly detected even if the indication markhas been correctly printed.

If external light is detected during printing of facsimile data for aparticular page, the facsimile device is switched to its memoryreception mode from a next page after the particular is printed out.That is, facsimile data for the subsequent pages is stored as backupreception data in the RAM 3 without the printing portion 12 performingprinting of the facsimile data. After reception of the facsimile data iscompleted, the printing portion 12 automatically performs printing ofthe backup reception data stored in the RAM 3 and the indication mark.This is because it can be assumed that external light intrusion into thefacsimile device will probably not continue for a long time. That is, itis highly probable that external light will disappear by the end of thereception processes. Then, if the indication marks for all pages areproperly detected, the backup reception data is erased from the RAM 3.

Also, if external light is detected by the mark sensor 15 at receptionof facsimile data, the printing portion 12 performs printing of thefacsimile data and the indication mark for all pages. At the same time,the facsimile data is stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3.Then, once reception of the facsimile data has been completed, thedisplay portion 14 displays on the LCD a message asking the user whetheror not printing was properly performed. If the user indicates thatprinting was properly performed, then the backup reception data iserased from the RAM 3. On the other hand, if the user indicates that theprinting was not properly performed, then the backup reception datastored in the RAM 3 is maintained in the RAM 3 without being erased.

Next, an explanation will be provided for these situation when the markflag is ON, that is, has a value set to 1, and that the backup flag isOFF, that is, has a value set to 0. In this case, if no external lightis detected by the mark sensor 15 at reception of facsimile data, thenthe printing portion 12 performs printing of one page's worth of thefacsimile data and the indication mark. Then, the mark sensor 15 detectsthe indication mark. If the mark sensor 15 properly detects theindication mark, then the same processes are repeated while the marksensor 15 detects whether or not external light is present in thefacsimile device. This continues until a final page is printed out.

On the other hand, if the indication mark cannot be properly detected ona specific page while no external light is detected within the facsimiledevice, it is determined that the ink passages are clogged. Then, thefacsimile device is switched to its memory reception mode starting fromthe specific page on which the indication mark in question was printed.That is, facsimile data for the present and subsequent pages is storedas backup reception data in the RAM 3 without the printing portion 12performing printing of the facsimile data.

Then, after reception of the facsimile data is completed, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD a message informing the user that the inkpassages for black ink are clogged and that the ink passages need to becleaned. After the user operates predetermined key switches to input acommand for cleaning of the ink passages, cleaning processes areexecuted accordingly. Then, the printing portion 12 automaticallyperforms printing of the backup reception data and the indication mark.If the indication mark is properly detected for every page, then thebackup reception data is erased from the RAM 3. If the indication markfor any page is not properly detected, the display portion 14 displayson the LCD a message asking the user whether or not printing has beenproperly performed. If the user indicates that printing has beenproperly performed, then the backup reception data is deleted from theRAM 3. The user can indicate proper printing by operating certain keyswitches.

If external light is detected during printing of the facsimile data, theprinting portion 12 continues printing until the final page is printedout. However, the mark sensor 15 does not attempt to detect theindication marks. Also, the RAM 3 does not store the facsimile data asbackup reception data.

If external light is detected at reception of facsimile data, theprinting portion 12 performs printing of the facsimile data and theindication mark for all pages. However, the mark sensor 15 does notattempt to detect the indication marks. Also, the received facsimiledata is not backed up.

Next, an explanation will be provided for situation for when the markflag is OFF, that is, has a value set to 0, and the backup flag is ON,that is, has a value set to 1. In this case, the mark sensor 15 does notattempt to detect external light. That is, regardless of whether or notexternal light is intruding into the facsimile device, the printingportion 12 performs printing of the facsimile data for all pages. At thesame time, the facsimile data is stored as backup reception data in theRAM 3. In this case, no indication mark is printed on any page. Then,when reception of the facsimile data is completed, a message isdisplayed on the LCD to ask the user whether or not printing wasproperly performed. If the user indicates that the printing was properlyperformed, then the backup reception data is erased from the RAM 3. Onthe other hand, if the user indicates that the printing was not properlyperformed, then the backup reception data is retained in the RAM 3without being erased.

Next, an explanation will be provided for the situation when both themark flag and the backup flag are OFF, that is, have values set to 0. Inthis case, the printing portion 12 performs printing of facsimile datafor all pages regardless of whether or not external light is intrudinginto the facsimile device. In this case, no indication mark is printed,and no facsimile data is backed up.

The user can obtain the transmission maintenance report, such as the oneshown in FIG. 18, by operating a predetermined key switch or at apredetermined timing, such as once a day or once a week. Thetransmission maintenance report is transmission maintenance informationprinted on a recording sheet. The transmission maintenance reportprovides the user with information relating to transmission andreception of facsimile data, such as names and phone numbers oftransmission sources, reception times and dates, names and telephonenumbers of transmission destinations, and transmission times and dates.Also, the transmission maintenance information report can indicate thatcertain facsimile data has been stored as backup reception data in theRAM 3 by including next such as “BKUP” in a comment column correspondingto the facsimile data. Therefore, by examining the transmissionmaintenance report, the user can determine which backup reception datashould be erased and which backup reception data should be printed out.Next, a detailed explanation of the above-described operations will beprovided. The operations include a reception routine, a first routine, asecond routine, a third routine, a fourth routine, a voice signalroutine, a printing results inquiry routine, an ink clog routine, an inkempty routine, a post cleaning routine, a manual erasure routine, and amaintenance information routine. It should be noted that all operationsare performed under the control of the CPU 1.

First, the reception routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 2. First, the CPU 1 determines in S1 whether ornot a call signal has been received. In particular, by observing the NCU2, the CPU 1 investigates whether or not any call signal has beeninputted from a telephone exchange system (not shown) over the telephonecircuit 21.

If a call signal has been received (S1:YES), then in S2, the NCU 2connects the telephone circuit 21. As a result, the call signal isinputted into the modem 4 via the telephone circuit 21 and the NCU 2.Then, the modem 4 demodulates the call signal into reception data. Then,the CPU 1 determines in S3 whether or not the reception data isfacsimile data.

If so (S3:YES), the CPU 1 determines in S4 whether or not the mark flagis ON. In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves the mark flag from the EEPROM6 and investigates whether or not the value of the mark flag is 1.

If so (S4:YES), then the CPU 1 determines in S5 whether or not thebackup flag is ON. In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves the backup flagfrom the EEPROM 6 and investigates whether or not the value of thebackup flag is 1.

If the backup flag is ON (S5:YES), then, the CPU 1 executes the firstroutine in S6, and the present routine is ended. Details of the firstroutine will be described later.

On the other hand, if the backup flag is not ON (S5:NO), then in S7, theCPU 1 executes the second routine, whereupon this routine is ended.Details of the second routine will be described later.

If it is determined in S4 that the mark flag is not ON (S4:NO), the CPU1 further determines in S8 whether or not the backup flag is ON.

If so (S8:YES), then the CPU 1 performs the third routine in S9,whereupon the present routine is ended. Details of the third routinewill be described later.

On the other hand, if the backup flag is not ON (S8:NO), then in S10,the CPU 1 performs the fourth routine, then, the present routine isended. Details of the fourth routine will be described later.

If it is determined in S3 that the reception data is not facsimile data(S3:NO), then the CPU 1 determines that the reception data is voicedata. The CPU 1 executes in S11 the voice data routine, whereupon thepresent routine is ended. Specifically, when the facsimile device is inits answering machine mode, the response message data prestored in theRAM 3 is retrieved and converted into an analog voice signal by thecodec 8. Then, the analog voice signal is outputted over the NCU 2 tothe telephone circuit 21. Also, the call signal inputted to the NCU 2over the telephone line 21 is converted into digital voice data by thecodec 8 and stored in the RAM 3. Because processes for voice dataroutine are well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

If in S1 no call signal is received (S1:NO), S1 is repeated until a callsignal is received.

Next, the first routine will be described while referring to theflowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first routine is executed in S6of FIG. 2, that is, when both the mark flag and the backup flag are ON.First, the CPU 1 determines in S21 whether or not external light isinvading into the facsimile device. In particular, the CPU 1 observes alight detection signal outputted from the mark sensor 15 under acondition wherein no recording sheet is positioned at the mark detectingposition and also the light source of the mark sensor 15 is OFF. The CPU1 determines whether or not the value of the light detection signalexceeds a predetermined light value.

If it is determined that external light is not invading into thefacsimile device, that is, no external light is detected within thefacsimile device (S21:NO), then the CPU 1 determines in S22 whether ornot a count value of the dot counter is equal to or less than apredetermined second threshold value. In particular, the CPU 1 retrievesthe count value of the dot counter for black ink, and investigateswhether or not the count value is equal to or less than the secondthreshold value.

It should be noted that the CPU 1 observes facsimile data inputted tothe printing portion 12 and calculates an accumulated number of dotsprinted in each different colored ink based on the facsimile data. Theobtained value is stored as the count value of the dot counter. Thecount value of the dot counter is automatically reset each time the inkcartridge or print head is replaced.

A first threshold value and the second threshold value are predeterminedcount values, wherein the second threshold value is set larger than thefirst threshold value. The first and second threshold values are used asreferences for the dot counter. For example, when the count value forblack ink exceeds the first threshold value, the printing portion 12displays on the LCD a message informing the user that only a smallamount of black ink remains in the ink tank. Also, when the count valuereaches or exceeds the second threshold value, then the printing portion12 displays on the LCD an ink empty message informing the user thatblack ink has run out. At the same time, the facsimile device is set toits printing prohibition mode with respect to black ink. Detailedexplanation of the printing prohibition mode will be provided later.

If the counter value of the dot counter is equal to or less than thesecond threshold value (S22:YES), then in S23 the printing portion 12performs printing of one band's worth of the facsimile data. Inparticular, the facsimile data, which has been demodulated by the modem4 and decoded by the codec 8, is outputted over the gate array 7 to theprinting portion 12. Then, the printing portion 12 performs printing ofone band's worth of the facsimile data using black ink. It should benoted that one band's worth of the facsimile data is equivalent to thewidth of in an auxiliary scanning direction of an image printed by theprint head during a single sweep in the main scanning direction.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S24 whether or not printing of one page'sworth of the facsimile data has been completed.

If so (S24:YES), then in S25 the printing portion 12 prints anindication mark at the predetermined position on the recording sheet.Then, the mark sensor 15 detects in S26 the indication mark at the markdetecting position. In particular, when the indication mark is broughtinto the mark detecting position as the feeding mechanism feeds therecording sheet, the mark sensor 15 detects the indication mark. Basedon detection results, the mark sensor 15 outputs a mark detection signalover the gate array 7. Then in S27, the CPU 1 observes the markdetection signal to determine whether or not the indication mark couldbe properly detected. In particular, the CPU 1 determines whether or nota value of the mark detection signal is less than a predetermined markvalue.

If the indication mark is properly detected (S27:YES), then the CPU 1determines in S28 whether or not printing of the facsimile data has beencompleted for all pages.

If not (S28:NO), this means that printing of the facsimile data foranother page still needs to be performed, so in S29, the CPU 1 againdetermines whether or not external light is present in the facsimiledevice.

If external light is present in the facsimile device (S29:YES), then theCPU 1 determines in S30 whether or not the RAM 3 is in a memory fullcondition, that is, whether or not the RAM 3 has the empty memorycapacity less than a predetermined memory value.

If the RAM 3 is not in the memory full condition (S30:NO), then in S32,the facsimile data is stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3. Inparticular, the DMAC 9 stores the facsimile data, which has beendemodulated by the modem 4 and decoded by the codec 8, a predeterminednumber of bits at a time in the RAM 3. That is, if external lightintrudes into the facsimile device during reception of facsimile data,the facsimile device is switched to its memory reception mode from thepresent page, and facsimile data for the present and subsequent pages isstored as backup reception data in the RAM 3. It should be noted thatwhen facsimile data is stored as backup reception data, transmissionmaintenance information data relating to the facsimile data is alsostored in a predetermined region of the RAM 3.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S33 whether or not storing of a singlepage's worth of the facsimile data as backup reception data in the RAM 3has been completed.

If so (S33:YES), then in S34, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thefacsimile data for all pages has been stored in the RAM 3.

If so (S34:YES), then in S35, the NCU 2 disconnects the telephonecircuit 21. Then, the CPU 1 determines in S36 whether or not the countvalue of the dot counter is equal to or less than the second thresholdvalue. If so (S36:YES), then in S37, printing of the backup receptiondata which has been stored in S32 is performed. In particular, the CPU 1retrieves the backup reception data from the RAM 3 and supplies thebackup reception data to the printing portion 12 over the gate array 7.Then, the printing portion 12 performs printing of one band's worth ofthe backup reception data.

The CPU 1 determines in S38 whether or not printing of one page's worthof the backup reception data has been completed.

If so (S38:YES), then in S39, the printing portion 12 prints anindication mark at the predetermined position on the recording sheet.Then, the mark sensor 15 detects in S40 the indication mark, and the CPU1 determines in S41 whether or not the indication mark has been properlydetected.

If not (S41:NO), then in S42, the value of the flag A is set to 1. Inparticular, the CPU 1 reads the flag A from the EEPROM 6. If the valueof the flag A is 0, the CPU 1 updates the value of the flag A to 1. Onthe other hand, if the value of the flag A is already 1, the CPU 1maintains the value of the flag A as it is. As described above, the flagA indicates whether or not the indication mark could be properlydetected during printing of backup reception data.

Then, in S43, the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of the backupreception data for all pages has been completed.

If so (S43:YES), the CPU 1 determines in S44 whether or not the value ofthe flag A is 0. If the value is not 0 (S44:NO), then this means thatthe indication mark could not be properly detected at least one time.Therefore, there is a possibility that printing of the backup receptiondata has not been properly performed for at least one page. Then, theCPU 1 resets in S45 the value of the flag A to 0 without erasing thebackup reception data. Then, this routine is ended.

If it is determined in S44 that the value of the flag A is 0 (S44:YES),then this means that the indication marks for all pages have beenproperly detected. This indicates that printing of the backup receptiondata has been properly performed for all pages. Therefore, in S46, thebackup reception data is erased from the buffer region of the RAM 3, andthis routine is ended.

If it is determined in S43 that printing of the backup reception datahas not been completed for all pages (S43:NO), the routine returns toS36.

If it is determined in S41 that the indication mark was properlydetected (S41:YES), the routine directly proceeds to S43 withoutexecuting S42.

If it is determined in S38 that printing of one page's worth of thebackup reception data has not been completed (S38:NO), then the routinereturns to S37 and continues printing of the backup reception data.

If it is determined in S36 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S36:NO), then inS47, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD the ink empty messagenotifying the user that the black ink has run out. Then, in S48, thefacsimile device is set to its printing prohibition mode, and theroutine proceeds to S45. It should be noted that when the facsimiledevice is in its printing prohibition mode, the facsimile device is setin its memory reception mode wherein received facsimile data is storedas backup reception data in the RAM 3 unless the RAM 3 becomes a memorysaturated condition. More specifically, any newly received facsimiledata is stored as backup reception data in the RAM. Then, if the RAM 3becomes in the memory full condition, backup reception data whichalready has been printed once (hereinafter referred to as “printedbackup reception data”) is erased from the RAM 3 so that additional newfacsimile data can be stored in the RAM 3. Then, if there is no printedbackup reception data to be erased, that means the RAM 3 became into thememory saturated condition wherein no further facsimile data can bestored. The printing prohibition mode is automatically canceled when theink clog routine is automatically performed after user exchanges theblack ink cartridges.

If it is determined in S34 that storing of the facsimile data for allpages has not been completed (S34:NO), the routine returns to S30.

If it is determined in S33 that storing of all pages' worth of thefacsimile data has not been completed yet (S33:NO), the routine returnsto S32 wherein storing of the facsimile data is continued.

If, in S30, the RAM 3 is in the memory full condition (S30:YES), thenthe routine proceeds directly to S35.

If, in S29, no external light is detected within the facsimile device(S29:NO), then the routine returns to S22.

If, in S28, it is determined that printing of the facsimile data for allpages has been completed (S28:YES), then the routine proceeds to S49wherein the NCU 2 disconnects the telephone circuit 21. Then, in S50,the CPU 1 deletes all printed backup reception data, and this routine isended. In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves information relating to backupreception data from the RAM 3, and determines whether or not printing ofthe backup data has been completed. If so, the backup reception data iserased from the RAM 3.

If it is determined in S27 that the indication mark could not beproperly detected (S27:NO), this indicates that the ink passages areprobably clogged with ink because no external light is present in thefacsimile device so external light is not the reason for the indicationmark not being properly detected. Therefore, in S51, the CPU 1 executesthe ink clog routine, and this routine is ended. Details of the ink clogroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S24 that printing of a single page's worth offacsimile data has not been completed (S24:NO), then the routine returnsto S23.

If it is determined in S22 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S22:NO), thismeans that black ink has run out. Therefore, the CPU 1 executes the inkempty routine in S52, and this routine is ended. Details of the inkempty routine will be described later.

If it is determined in S21 that external light is present in thefacsimile device (S21:YES), then, the CPU 1 determines in S53 whether ornot the RAM 3 is in the memory full condition.

If not (S53:NO), then in S55, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thecount value of the dot counter is equal to or less than the secondthreshold value.

If so (S55:YES), then in S56, printing of the facsimile data isperformed, and simultaneously the facsimile data is stored as backupreception data in the RAM 3. In particular, the CPU 1 supplies thefacsimile data, which has been demodulated by the modem 4 and decoded bythe codec 8, to the printing portion 12 over the gate array 7. Theprinting portion 12 performs printing of one band's worth of thefacsimile data. Also, the CPU 1 controls the DMAC 9 to store thefacsimile data a predetermined number of bits at a time in the RAM 3.Then, in S57, the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing and storingof one page's worth of the facsimile data have been completed.

If so (S57:YES), then in S58, the printing portion 12 prints anindication mark at the predetermined position on the recording sheet.Further, the CPU 1 determines in S59 whether or not printing and storingof the facsimile data for all pages has been completed.

If so (S59:YES), then in S60, the telephone circuit 21 is disconnected.Then, in S61, the CPU 1 performs the printing results inquiry routine,and this routine is ended. Details of the printing results inquiryroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S59 that printing and storing of the facsimiledata for all pages have not been completed yet (S59:NO), this means thatprinting and storing of the facsimile data have to be still performed sothe routine returns to S53.

If it is determined in S57 that printing and storing of one page's worthof the facsimile data have not been completed (S57:NO), the routinereturns to S56.

If it is determined in S55 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S55:NO), thismeans that black ink has run out. The CPU 1 performs in S62 the inkempty routine, and this routine is ended. Details of the ink emptyroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S53 that the RAM 3 is in the memory fullcondition (S53:YES), then in S63, the CPU 1 determines whether or notany printed backup reception data is present in the RAM 3. If so(S63:YES), the CPU 1 erases in S64 one case's worth of the printedbackup reception data from the RAM 3, and the routine returns to S53. Ifit is determined in S63 that no printed backup reception data is storedin the RAM 3 (S63:NO), then in S65, the NCU 2 disconnects the telephonecircuit 21, and this routine is ended.

As described above, when both the mark flag and the backup flag are ON,if no external light is detected in the facsimile device at reception offacsimile data, the printing portion 12 performs printing of thefacsimile data and an indication mark while the CPU 1 confirms that theindication mark is properly detected. Then, if the indication mark couldbe properly detected on every page, it is determined that the inkpassages are not clogged. Then, any printed backup reception data storedin the RAM 3 is erased.

Also, if the indication mark cannot be properly detected even when noexternal light is intruding into the facsimile device, this means thatthe ink passages are probably clogged with ink so the facsimile deviceis switched to the memory reception mode.

If external light is detected during printing of the facsimile data, thefacsimile device is switched to the memory reception mode wherein thefacsimile data is stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3. Then,after reception of the facsimile data is completed, printing of backupreception data is automatically performed. The reason for this is thatit can be assumed that external light intruding into the facsimiledevice will probably not continue for a long time. It is highly probablethat external light will disappear by the end of the receptionprocesses.

Further, if external light is detected at reception of facsimile data,printing of the facsimile data is performed for all pages, and also, thefacsimile data is stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3. Thereason for this is that the indication mark cannot be properly detectedin the presence of external light even if the indication mark isproperly printed.

Next, the second routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 5. The second routine is executed in S7 of FIG.2, that is, when the mark flag is ON and the backup flag is OFF. Whenthe second routine is started, first, the CPU 1 determines in S71whether or not external light is intruding into the facsimile device.

If not (S71:NO), then in S72, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thecount value of the dot counter is equal to or less than the secondthreshold value.

If so (S72:YES), then in S73 the printing portion 12 performs printingof one band's worth of the facsimile data. Then, the CPU 1 determines inS74 whether or not printing of one page's worth of the facsimile datahas been completed.

If so (S74:YES), then in S75, the printing portion 12 performs printingof an indication mark at the predetermined position on the recordingsheet. Then in S76, the mark sensor 15 detects the indication mark. TheCPU 1 determines in S77 whether or not the indication mark could beproperly detected.

If the indication mark could be properly detected (S77:YES), then inS78, the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of the facsimile datahas been completed for all pages.

If so (S78:YES), the telephone circuit 21 is disconnected in S72, andthis routine is ended.

If it is determined in S78 that printing of the facsimile data has notbeen completed for all pages (S78:NO), the routine returns to S71.

If it is determined in S77 that the indication mark could not beproperly detected (S77:NO), then in S80, the CPU 1 executes the ink clogroutine, and this routine is ended. The details of the ink clog routinewill be described later.

If it is determined in S74 that printing of one page's worth of thefacsimile data has not been completed (S74:NO), then, the routinereturns to S73.

If it is determined in S72 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S72:NO), thismeans that black ink has run out. Then, the CPU 1 executes in S81 theink empty routine, and this routine is ended. Details of the ink emptyroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S71 that external light is present in thefacsimile device (S71:YES), then in S82 the CPU 1 determines whether ornot the count value of the dot counter is equal to or less than thesecond threshold value.

If so (S82:YES), then in S83 the printing portion 12 performs printingof one band's worth of the facsimile data. Then, the CPU 1 in S84determines whether or not printing of one page's worth of the facsimiledata has been completed.

If so (S84:YES), then in S85 the printing portion 12 prints anindication mark at the predetermined position on the recording sheet.Then, the CPU 1 determines in S86 whether or not printing of thefacsimile data has been completed for all pages.

If so (S86:YES), then the routine proceeds to S79 wherein the telephonecircuit 21 is disconnected.

If it is determined in S86 that printing of the facsimile data has notbeen completed for all pages (S86:NO), the routine returns to S82.

If it is determined in S82 that printing of one page's worth of thefacsimile data has not been completed (S84:NO), the routine returns toS83.

If it is determined in S82 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S82:NO), then inS87, the CPU 1 executes the ink empty routine, and this routine isended. Details of the ink empty routine will be described later.

As described above, when the mark flag is ON and the backup flag is OFF,printing of facsimile data is performed without storing the facsimiledata regardless of whether or not external light is intruding into thefacsimile device. The facsimile device will be switched to the memoryreception mode only when an indication mark cannot be properly detectedwhile no external light is detected. This is because the user who setsthe backup flag to OFF obviously does not desire to back up facsimiledata by storing the facsimile data as backup reception data. This isdone to take their desire into consideration.

Next, the third routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 6. The third routine is executed in S9 of FIG.2, that is, when the mark flag is OFF and the backup flag is ON. Whenthe third routine is started, first, the CPU 1 determines in S91 whetheror not the RAM 3 is in the memory full condition.

If not (S91:NO), the CPU 1 determines in S93 whether or not the countvalue of the dot counter is equal to or less than the second thresholdvalue.

If so (S93:YES), then in S94, printing and storing of the facsimile dataare performed simultaneously. Then, the CPU 1 determines in S95 whetheror not both printing and storing of one page's worth of the facsimiledata have been completed.

If so (S95:YES), then, the CPU 1 determines in S96 whether or notprinting and storing of the facsimile data for all pages have beencompleted.

If so (S96:YES), then in S97, the telephone circuit 21 is disconnected.Then, the CPU 1 executes in S98 the printing results inquiry routine,and this routine is ended. Details of the printing results inquiryroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S96 that printing and storing of the facsimiledata for all pages have not been completed yet (S96:NO), the routinereturns to S91.

If it is determined in S95 that printing and storing of one page's worthof the facsimile data have not been completed yet (S95:NO), then theroutine returns to S95 and continues printing and storing of thefacsimile data.

If it is determined in S93 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S93:NO), thismeans that black ink has run out. Then, the CPU 1 executes in S99 theink empty routine, and this routine is ended. Details of the ink emptyroutine will be described later.

If it is determined in S91 that the RAM 3 is in the memory fullcondition (S91:YES), then the CPU 1 determines in S92 a whether or notany printed backup reception data is stored in the RAM 3. If not (S92a:NO), then, the telephone circuit 21 is disconnected in S92 b, and thisroutine is ended. On the other hand, if there is any printed backupreception data in the RAM 3 (S92 a:YES), then in S92 c, the CPU 1deletes one case's worth of the printed backup reception data from theRAM 3, and the routine returns to S91.

As described above, when the mark flag is OFF and the backup flag is ON,all facsimile data is stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3regardless of whether or not external light is intruding into thefacsimile device. At this time, no indication mark is printed.

Next, the fourth routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 7. The fourth routine is executed in S10 of FIG.2, that is, when both the mark flag and the backup flag are OFF. Whenthe fourth routine is started, first, the CPU 1 determines in S101whether or not the count value of the dot counter is equal to or lessthan the second threshold value.

If so (S101:YES), then in S102, the printing portion 12 performsprinting of one band's worth of the facsimile data. Then, the CPU 1determines in S103 whether or not printing of one page's worth of thefacsimile data has been completed.

If so (S103:YES), then, the CPU 1 in S104 determines whether or notprinting of the facsimile data for all pages has been completed.

If so (S104:YES), then in S105, the telephone circuit 21 isdisconnected, and this routine is ended.

If it is determined in S104 that printing of the facsimile data has notbeen completed for all pages (S104:NO), the routine returns to S101.

If it is determined in S103 that printing of one page's worth of thefacsimile data has not been completed (S103:NO), then the routinereturns to S103 so that the printing of the facsimile data is continued.

If it is determined in S101 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S101:NO), thismeans that black ink has run out. The CPU 1 executes in S106 the inkempty routine, and this routine is ended. Details of the ink emptyroutine will be described later.

As described above, when both the mark flag and the backup flag are OFF,no indication mark is printed and no facsimile data is backed upregardless of whether or not external light is present in the facsimiledevice.

Next, the printing results inquiry routine will be described whilereferring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. The printing results inquiryroutine is executed in S61 of FIG. 3 and in S98 of FIG. 6. When theprinting results inquiry routine is started, first in S111, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD a printing results inquiry message askingthe user whether or not printing results are good. More specifically,the display portion 14 displays on the LCD a message shown in FIG. 15(a)and a message shown in FIG. 15(b) alternately each time a predeterminedtime period elapses. The user can examine a printed recording sheet anddetermine whether the printing results are good or not.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S112 whether or not the user has indicatedthat the printing results are good. In particular, when the user pressesthe No. 1 key of the numeric pad, the operation portion 13 outputs anoperation signal accordingly. Then, the CPU 1 observes the operationsignal to determine whether the user has pressed the No. 1 key.

If the user does not indicate that the printing results are good(S112:NO), then the CPU 1 determines in S113 whether or not the user hasindicated that the printing results are poor. In particular, the CPU 1observes the operation signal from the operation portion 13 to determinewhether or not the user has pressed a No. 2 key.

If the user indicates that the printing results are poor (S113:YES),then in S114, the display portion 14 stops displaying the printingresults inquiry messages on the LCD, and this routine is ended.

If in S113 the user does not indicate that the printing results are poor(S113:NO), then the routine returns to S112 and waits for indicationfrom the user.

If in S112 the user indicates that the printing results are good(S112:YES), then in S115, corresponding backup reception data is erasedfrom the RAM 3, and routine proceeds to S114. In particular, the CPU 1erases the backup reception data which has been stored in the RAM 3 inS56 of FIG. 3 or in S94 of FIG. 6.

As described above, after printing and storing of facsimile data hasbeen completed, the user is asked about quality of printing results. Ifthe printing results are good, corresponding backup reception data iserased from the RAM 3 so that unnecessary backup reception data is notmaintained in the RAM 3.

Next, the ink clog routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 9. The ink clog routine is executed in S51 ofFIG. 3 and in S80 of FIG. 5. When the ink clog routine is started,first, the CPU 1 determines in S121 whether or not the RAM 3 is in thememory full condition.

If not (S121:NO), then in S123 the facsimile data is stored as backupreception data in the RAM 3. In particular, facsimile data for a presentpage, who's indication mark could not be properly detected, is retrievedfrom the buffer region of the RAM 3 and stored in the storing region asbackup reception data. Then, the facsimile data for subsequent pageswhich has been demodulated by the modem 4 and decoded by the codec 8 isstored by the DMAC 9 as backup reception data a predetermined number ofbits at a time in the RAM 3. That is, when the indication mark cannot beproperly detected on a particular page, the ink passages have verylikely become clogged during printing of the particular page. Therefore,although the particular page has already been printed out once, thefacsimile data for the particular page is stored as backup receptiondata as well as is the facsimile data for the subsequent pages.

Then, in S124, the CPU 1 determines whether or not one page's worth ofthe facsimile data has been stored in the RAM 3.

If so (S124:YES), the CPU 1 determines in S125 whether or not storing ofthe facsimile data for all designate pages has been completed.

If so (S125:YES), then the telephone circuit 21 is disconnected in S126.In particular, the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to open the telephonecircuit 21. Then in S127, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD anink clog message informing the user that the ink passages are clogged.Then in S128, the facsimile device is set in the printing prohibitionmode, and this routine is ended. When the facsimile device is in theprinting prohibition mode, the facsimile device is set to the memoryreception mode. Then, if the RAM 3 becomes in the memory saturatedcondition, reception of additional facsimile data is prohibited. Theprinting prohibition mode is automatically canceled after the cleaningprocesses for the black ink passages are performed. The cleaningprocesses can be performed either automatically at a predeterminedtiming or whenever the user inputs command for this.

If it is determined in S125 that the facsimile data for all pages hasnot been stored in the RAM 3 (S125:NO), the routine returns to S121.

If it is determined in S124 that a single page's of the facsimile datahas not been stored as backup reception data in the RAM 3 (S124:NO), theroutine returns to S123 and continues storing the facsimile data.

If it is determined in S121 that the RAM 3 is in the memory fullcondition (S121:YES), this means no more facsimile data can be stored inthe RAM 3. Therefore, the routine proceeds to S126.

As described above, if the indication mark cannot be properly detected,it is determined that the ink passages for black ink are clogged up.Then, the user is encouraged to execute the cleaning processes for theink passages.

Next, the ink empty routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 10. The ink empty routine is executed in S52 andin S62 of FIG. 3, in S81 and in S87 of FIG. 5, in S99 of FIG. 6, and inS106 of FIG. 7. When the ink empty routine is started, first in S131,the CPU 1 determines whether or not the RAM 3 is in the memory fullcondition.

If not (S131:NO), then in S133, the facsimile data is stored as backupreception data in the RAM 3. Specifically, the DMAC 9 stores thefacsimile data, which has been demodulated by the modem 4 and decoded bythe codec 8, a predetermined number of bits at a time in the RAM 3. Itshould be noted that the second threshold value for the dot counter isset so as to provide some leeway before black ink actually runs out.Therefore, even if the count value of the dot counter reaches the secondthreshold value during printing of a particular page, the particularpage can be completely printed out. For this reason, only the facsimiledata for subsequent pages is stored in the RAM 3. Then in S134, the CPU1 determines whether or not a single page's worth of the facsimile datais stored in the RAM 3.

If so (S134:YES), then in S135, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thefacsimile data for all pages has been stored in the RAM 3.

If so (S135:YES), then in S136, the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 todisconnect the telephone circuit 21. Then in S137, the display portion14 displays on the LCD the ink empty message informing the user thatblack ink has run out. Then in S138, the facsimile device is set to itsmemory full mode, and this routine is ended. It should be noted thatwhen the facsimile device is in the memory full mode, the facsimiledevice is set to the memory reception mode wherein facsimile data isstored in the RAM 3 until the RAM 3 becomes the memory saturatedcondition. The memory full mode is canceled once cleaning processes areautomatically executed after the user exchanges ink cartridges.

If it is determined in S135 that storing of the facsimile data has notbeen completed for all pages (S135:NO), the routine returns to S131.

If it is determined in S134 that a single page's worth of the facsimiledata has not been stored in the RAM 3 (S134:NO), then the routinereturns to S133 and continues storing.

If it is determined in S131 that the RAM 3 is in the memory fullcondition (S131:YES), then in S139, the CPU 1 determines whether or notany printed backup reception data is stored in the RAM 3. If so(S139:YES), then in S140, the CPU 1 erases one case's worth of theprinted backup reception data from the RAM 3, and the routine returns toS131. On the other hand, if there is no printed backup reception data inthe RAM 3 (S139:NO), then the routine proceeds to S136.

As described above, if the count value of the dot counter reaches thesecond threshold value, it is determined that black ink has run out.Then, the user is encouraged to replace the ink cartridge.

Next, the post cleaning routine will be described while referring to theflowchart shown in FIG. 11. The post cleaning routine is automaticallyexecuted after the cleaning processes are performed. The cleaningprocesses are executed whenever the user desires. The cleaning processesare also automatically performed when ink cartridges are exchanged or ata predetermined timing, that is, every time a predetermined timeduration elapses while the power source of the facsimile device is ON.

When the post cleaning routine is started, the CPU 1 determines in S141whether or not the facsimile device is in the printing prohibition mode.

If so (S141:YES), then in S142, the CPU 1 releases the facsimile devicefrom the printing prohibition mode. Then in S143, the CPU 1 determineswhether or not the mark flag is ON. In particular, the CPU 1 retrievesthe mark flag from the predetermined region in the EEPROM 6 andinvestigates whether the mark flag has a value set to 1 or not.

If mark flag is ON (S143:YES), then, the CPU 1 determines in S144whether or not external light is present in the facsimile device. Inparticular, the CPU 1 observes a detection signal from the mark sensor15 under conditions wherein no recording sheet is positioned at the markdetecting position and also wherein the light source of the mark sensor15 is OFF. Then, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the mark detectionsignal from the mark sensor 15 exceeds the predetermined light value.

If no external light is detected (S144:NO), then in S145, the CPU 1determines whether or not the count value of the dot counter is equal toor less than the second threshold value.

If so (S145:YES), then in S146, printing of one band's worth of thefacsimile data is performed.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S147 whether or not printing of a singlepage's worth of the facsimile data has been completed.

If so (S147:YES), then in S148, the printing portion 12 prints anindication mark at the predetermined position on the recording sheet.Then in S149, the mark sensor 15 detects the indication mark. The CPU 1determines in S150 whether or not the indication mark could be properlydetected.

If indication mark could not be properly detected (S150:NO), and inS151, the value of the flag B is set to 1. In particular, the flag B isretrieved from the predetermined region in the EEPROM 6. If the value ofthe flag B is 0, the value of the flag B is changed to 1. On the otherhand, if the value of the flag B is already 1, the value of the flag Bis remained as it is. As described above, the flag B represents whetheror not an indication mark could be properly detected during printing ofbackup reception data. Then in S152, the CPU 1 determines whether or notprinting of the backup reception data has been completed for all pagesfor a present case.

It so (S152:YES), the CPU 1 determined in S153 whether or not printingof the backup reception data has been completed for all cases.

If so (S153:YES), then in S154, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thevalue of the flag B is 0, that is, whether or not the indication markcould be properly detected on every page of every case. If so(S154:YES), it can be assumed that printing of the backup reception datafor all cases has been properly performed. Then in S155, all backupreception data is erased from the RAM 3, and this routine is ended.

If it is determined in S154 that the value of the flag B is not 0(S154:NO), then there is a danger that printing of backup reception datacould not be properly performed for at least one page. Then in S156, thedisplay portion 14 displays on the LCD the printing results inquirymessage asking the user whether or not printing results are good. Morespecifically, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD the messageshown in FIG. 15(a) and the message shown in FIG. 15(b) alternately eachtime the predetermined time period elapses. The user can exam theprinted recording sheet and determine whether the printing results aregood or not.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S157 whether or not the user has indicatedthat the printing results were good. In particular, the user manipulatesa predetermined key of the numeric pad in order to indicate quality ofthe printing results, whereupon the operation portion 13 outputs anoperation signal accordingly. Then, the CPU 1 observes the operationsignal to investigate whether or not the user had pressed the No. 1 key.

If the user does not indicate that the printing results are good(S157:NO), then the CPU 1 determines in S158 whether or not the user hasindicated that the printing results were poor. In particular, the CPU 1observes the operation signal from the operation portion 13 andinvestigates whether or not the user has pressed the No. 2 key.

If the user indicates that the printing results are poor (S158:YES),then in S159, the display portion 14 stops displaying the printingresults inquiry messages on the LCD. Then, the value of the flag B isreset to 0, and this routine is ended.

If in S158 the user does not indicate that the printing results are poor(S158:NO), then the routine returns to S157 and waits for indicationfrom the user.

If it is determined in S157 that the user has indicated that theprinting results were good (S157:YES), then in S161, the display portion14 stops displaying the printing results inquiry message on the LCD. Thevalue of the flag B is reset to 0 in S162, and the routine proceeds toS155.

If it is determined in S153 that printing of the backup reception datafor all cases has not been completed (S153:NO), this means that thebackup reception data is remained for a subsequent case. The routinereturns to S144.

If it is determined in S152 that printing of the backup reception datafor all pages for the for the present case has not been completed(S153:NO), this means that backup reception data remains for asubsequent page. The routine returns to S144.

If it is determined in S150 that the indication mark could be properlydetected (S150:YES), the routine directly proceeds to S152.

If it is determined in S147 that printing of a single page's worth ofthe backup reception data has not been completed yet (S147:NO), then theroutine returns to S146.

If in S145 the count value of the dot counter is not equal to or lessthan the second threshold value (S145:NO), then in S163, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD the ink empty message informing the userthat black ink has run out. Then in S164, the facsimile device is set tothe printing prohibition mode. Further, in S171, the value of the flag Bis reset to 0. In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves the flag B from theEEPROM 6. If the value of the flag B is 1, the CPU 1 rewrites the valueof the flag B to 0. On the other hand, if the value of the flag B is 0,the CPU 1 maintains the value of the flag B as it is.

If in S144 external light is detected (S144:YES), then in S165, thevalue of the flag B is set to 1. Then in S166, the CPU 1 determineswhether or not the count value of the dot counter is equal to or lessthan the second threshold value.

If so (S166:YES), then in S167, the printing portion 12 performsprinting of one band's worth of the backup reception data. Then in S168,the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of one page's worth ofbackup reception data has been completed.

If so (S168:YES), then in S169, the CPU 1 determines whether or notprinting of the backup reception data for the present case have beencompleted.

If so (S169:YES), then in S170, the CPU 1 determines whether or notprinting of the backup reception data has been completed for all cases.

If so (S170:YES), the routine proceeds to S154.

If it is determined in S170 that printing of the backup reception datahas not been completed for all cases (S170:NO), the routine returns toS166.

If it is determined in S169 that printing of the backup reception datahas not been completed for all pages of the present case (S169:NO), theroutine returns to S166.

If it is determined in S168 that printing of one page's worth of thebackup reception data has not been completed (S168:NO), then the routinereturns to S167 and continues printing.

If it is determined in S166 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S166:NO), theroutine proceeds to S163.

If it is determined in S143 that the mark flag is not ON (S143:NO), thisroutine is ended. The reason for this is that even if printing of backupreception data is automatically performed, there is no way to determinewhether or not printing of the backup reception data has been properlyperformed without detecting the indication mark.

If it is determined in S141 that the facsimile device is not in theprinting prohibition mode (S141:NO), the routine directly proceeds toS143.

As described above, when the mark flag is ON, printing of backupreception data is automatically performed upon completion of cleaningoperations. Then, if all indication marks can be properly detected, thecorresponding printed backup reception data is automatically erased fromthe RAM 3. On the other hand, if any indication mark could not beproperly detected, a message is displayed to inquired quality of printedpages. Only when the printing results are good, the printed backupreception data is erased.

Next, the manual erasure routine will be described. The manual erasureroutine is executed whenever the user performs predetermined keyoperations to input a particular command for this. The user can erasebackup data, including backup reception data and backup transmissiondata, either after or without executing printing of the backup receptiondata. The manual erasure routine may be executed when, for example, fullcolor printing needs to be consecutively performed where a large amountof the memory of the RAM 3 is consumed. That is, if backup data isstored in the RAM 3, there is a possibility that copying operationscannot be properly performed because of lack of memory capacity of theRAM. The user can erase unnecessary backup data from the RAM so thatsufficient memory capacity for the copying operations can be obtained.Also, the manual erasure routine may be executed whenever the userwishes to perform printing of backup data, not just for color copying.

As described above, backup reception data is stored in the RAM 3according to combined settings of the mark flag, the backup flag, andpresence and absence of external light in the facsimile device. Forexample, facsimile data received by a facsimile device in the memoryreception mode will be stored as backup reception data. Also, backuptransmission data is stored if the user wishes. For example, when theuser wishes to transmit facsimile data at a later time, for example, thefacsimile data, that is, transmission facsimile data, can be stored asbackup transmission data in the RAM 3.

The user can obtain and examine a memory status list and/or atransmission information list. Using these lists, the user can gain anunderstanding of backup data to determine whether or not printing of thebackup data is necessary. The memory status list can be either displayedon the LCD or printed on the recording sheet in response to input of apredetermined command. The memory status list shows information such asname and telephone number of a transmission source of received facsimiledata as well as a reception time and date. An example of thetransmission maintenance list is shown in FIG. 18. The transmissionmaintenance report is printed at a predetermined timing or whenever theuser inputs a command for this. Data for the transmission maintenanceinformation is stored in a predetermined region of the RAM 3 and can beretrieved whenever needed.

Next, processes performed during the manual erasure routine will bedescribed while referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. When themanual erasure routine is started, first, the CPU 1 determines in S181whether or not any backup data is stored in the RAM 3.

If it is determined in S181 that backup data is stored In the RAM 3(S181:YES), then in S182, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD aprint necessity inquiry message inquiring the user whether or notprinting of the backup data should be performed. In particular, the CPU1 controls the display portion 14 to display a message shown in FIG.13(a) and a message shown in FIG. 13(B) in alternation. Then, the CPU 1determines in S183 whether or not the user has indicated printing of thebackup data is unnecessary. In particular, when the user pressespredetermined key switches of the numeric pad to indicate necessity orunnecessary of printing of the backup data, the operation portion 13outputs operation signal. Then, the CPU 1 observes the operation signaland investigates whether the user has pressed the No. 2 key.

If the user has not indicated that printing of the backup data isunnecessary (S183:NO), then the CPU 1 determined in S184 whether or notthe user has indicated that printing of the backup data is necessary.

If the user has indicated that printing of the backup data is necessary(S184:YES), then in S185, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD aprinting message shown in FIG. 14 to inform the user that printing ofthe backup data is presently being performed. Then in S186, the CPU 1determines whether or not the mark flag is ON.

If so (S186:YES), the CPU 1 determines in S187 whether or not externallight is present in the facsimile device. In particular, the CPU 1observes a light detection signal from the mark sensor 15 underconditions wherein no recording sheet is positioned at the markdetection position and also wherein the light source of the mark sensor15 is OFF. Then, the CPU 1 determines in S187 whether or not thedetection signal from the mark sensor 15 exceeds the predetermined lightvalue.

If no external light is present in the facsimile device (S187:NO), theCPU 1 determines in S188, whether or not the count value of the dotcounter is equal to or less than the second threshold value.

If so (S188:YES), then in S189, the printing portion 12 performsprinting of one band's worth of the backup data.

In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves the backup data from the RAM 3 andoutputs over the gate array 7 to the printing portion 12. The printingportion 12 performs printing of one band's worth of the backup data.

Then in S190, the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of a singlepage's worth of the backup data has been completed. If so (S190:YES),the printing portion 12 prints in S191 an indication mark at thepredetermined position on the recording sheet. Then the mark sensor 15detects in S192 the indication mark. The CPU 1 determines in S193whether or not the indication mark could be properly detected.

If in S193 the indication mark could not be properly detected (S193:NO),then in S194, the value of the flag C is set to 1. In particular, theCPU 1 reads the flag C from the EEPROM 6. If the value of the flag C is0, the CPU 1 rewrites the value of the flag C to 1. On the other hand,if the value of the flag C is 0, the CPU 1 maintains the value of theflag C as it is. As described above, the value of the flag C representswhether or not the indication mark which has been printed duringprinting of backup data could be properly detected.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S195 whether or not printing of the backupdata has been completed for all pages of a present case.

If so (S195:YES), the CPU 1 determines in S196 whether or not printingof the backup data has been completed for all cases.

If so (S196:YES), then in S197, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thevalue of the flag C is 0. If so (S197:YES), this means that allindication marks of all pages of all cases could properly be detected.Therefore, it can be assumed that printing of the backup data for allcases has been properly performed. Then in S198, the backup data iscompletely erased from the RAM 3. Further in S199, the display portion14 displays on the LCD either the printing message or an erasurepermission message to be described later. Then, the value of the flag Cis set to 0 in S200. In particular, the CPU 1 retrieves the flag C fromthe EEPROM 6. If the value of the flag C is 1, the CPU 1 rewrites thevalue of the flag C to 0. On the other hand, if the value of the flag Cis 0, the CPU 1 maintains the value of the flag C as it is. Then, thisroutine is ended.

If it is determined in S197 that the value of the flag C is 0 (S197:NO),then there is a possibility that printing of not all backup data hasbeen properly performed. Therefore, in S201, the display portion 14displays on the LCD the printing results inquiry message, that is, theone shown in FIG. 15(a) and the one shown in FIG. 15(b) in alternately,in order to ask the user whether the printing results are good. The usercan exam the printed recording sheet and determines the printing resultsare good or not.

Then, the CPU 1 determines in S202 whether or not the user has indicatedthat the printing results are good, that is, whether or not the user haspressed the No. 1 key.

If the user does not indicate that the printing results are good(S202:NO), then the CPU 1 determines in S203 whether or not the user hasindicated that the printing results are poor, that is, whether or notthe user has pressed the No. 2 key.

If the user indicates the printing results are poor (S203:YES), then theroutine proceeds to S199.

If in S203 the user does not indicate that the printing results are poor(S203:NO), then the routine returns to S202 and waits the user to inputan indication.

If in S202 the user indicates that the printing results are good(S202:YES), then the routine proceeds to S198.

If it is determined in S196 that printing of the backup data has notbeen completed for all cases (S196:NO), the routine returns to S187.

If it is determined in S195 that printing of the backup data for allpages of the present case has not been completed (S195:NO), the routinereturns to S187.

If in S193 the indication mark could be properly detected (S193:YES),the routine skips S194 and directly proceeds to S195.

If it is determined in S190 that printing of one page's worth of thebackup data has not been completed yet (S190:NO), then the routinereturns to S189 and printing is continued.

If it is determined in S188 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold value (S188:NO), then inS204, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD the ink empty messageindicating that the black ink has run out. Further in S205, thefacsimile device is set to the printing prohibition mode, and theroutine proceeds to S200.

If in S187 external light is present (S187:YES), then in S206, the valueof the flag C is set to 1. Then in S207, the CPU 1 determines whether ornot the count value of the dot counter is equal to or less than thesecond threshold value.

If so (S207:YES), then in S208, the printing portion 12 performsprinting of one band's worth of the backup data. Then, the CPU 1determines in S209 whether or not printing of one page's worth of thebackup data has been completed.

If so (S209:YES), the CPU 1 further determines in S210 whether or notprinting of the backup data for all page of the present case has beencompleted.

If so (S210:YES), then in S211, the CPU 1 determines whether or notprinting of the backup data for all cases has been completed.

If so (S211:YES), then the routine proceeds to S197.

If it is determined in S211 that printing of the backup data for allcases has not been completed yet (S211:NO), the routine returns to S207.

If it is determined in S210 that printing of the backup data for allpages of the present case has not been completed (S210:NO), the routinereturnees to S207.

If it is determined in S209 that printing of one page's worth of thebackup data has not been completed yet (S209:NO), then the routinereturns to S208.

If it is determined in S207 that the count value of the dot counter isnot equal to or less than the second threshold (S207:NO), then theroutine proceeds to S204.

If it is determined in S186 that the mark flag is not ON (S186:NO), thenthe routine proceeds to S206.

If in S184 the user has not indicated that printing of the backup datais necessary (S184:NO), then the routine returns to S183 and waits anindication from the user.

If it is determined in S183 that the user has indicated that printing ofthe backup data is unnecessary (S183:YES), then in S212, the displayportion 14 displays on the LCD the erasure permission message inquiringthe user whether the backup data can be erased or not. In particular,the display portion 14 displays a message shown in FIG. 16(a) and amessage shown in FIG. 16(b) in alternation each time a predeterminedtime duration elapses. Then in S213, the CPU 1 determines whether or notthe user has indicated that the backup data can be erased, that is,whether or not the user has pressed the No. 1 key of the numeric pad.

If the user does not indicate the backup data can be erased (S213:NO),then in S214, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the user has indicatedthat the backup data should not be erased, that is, whether or not theuser has pressed the No. 2 key.

If the user indicates that the backup data should not be erased(S214:YES), then routine proceeds to S199 without erasing the backupdata.

If in S214 the user does not input indication that the backup datashould not be erased (S214:NO), then the routine returns to S213 andwaits for an indication from the user.

If in S213 the user indicates that the backup data can be erased(S213:YES), then the routine proceeds to S198 whereupon the backup datais erased.

If it is determined in S181 that no backup data is stored in the RAM 3(S181:NO), then in S215, the display portion 14 displays on the LCD ano-backup-memory message showing in FIG. 17 indicating that no backupdata is stored in the RAM 3. The no-backup-memory message is displayedfor a predetermined duration of time, for example, for two seconds. Thenthe routine proceeds to S199.

In this way, the user can optionally erase backup data from the RAM 3 byoperating predetermined key switches.

Next, the transmission maintenance report preparation routine will bedescribed while referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19. Thetransmission maintenance report preparation routine is executedperiodically for printing a transmission maintenance report.

First, the CPU 1 determines in S220 whether or not any facsimile datahas been received over the telephone circuit 21 by observing signalsoutputted by the NCU 2.

If any facsimile data has been received (S220:YES), then in S221, theCPU 1 stores transmission maintenance information data relating to thereceived facsimile data, that is, reception information data, in apredetermined region of the RAM 3. The reception information dataincludes the reception time, reception date, and name and telephonenumber of the transmission source of the facsimile data. Then in S222,the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of the transmissionmaintenance information data is requested. In particular, the CPU 1observes operation signal from the operation portion 13 to investigatewhether or not the user has inputted a command to execute printing ofthe transmission maintenance information data.

If printing of the transmission maintenance information data isrequested by the user (S222:YES), then, in order to provide atransmission maintenance information report to the user, the recordingportion 12 performs in S223 printing of the transmission maintenanceinformation data stored in the predetermined region of the RAM 3. Then,this routine is ended. It should be noted that the transmissionmaintenance information report can inform the user whether or notfacsimile data for each case is stored as backup reception data in theRAM 3 by showing a predetermined indication in a corresponding column ofeach facsimile data.

If in S222 the transmission maintenance information report is notrequested by the user (S222:NO), then in S224, the CPU 1 determineswhether or not it is a predetermined time. In particular, the CPU 1investigates whether or not it is time to print out the transmissionmaintenance report based on a time prestored in the EEPROM 6 by theuser.

If so (S224:YES), then the routine proceeds to S223, and thetransmission maintenance report is outputted. On the other hand if not(S224:NO), the routine returns to S220.

If in S220 no facsimile data is received (S220:NO), then the CPU 1determines in S225 whether or not any facsimile data has beentransmitted. In particular, the CPU 1 determines whether or not thefacsimile device is in its transmission mode for transmitting facsimiledata.

If any facsimile data has been transmitted (S225:YES), then in S226, theCPU 1 stores transmission maintenance information data relating to thefacsimile data, that is, transmission information data, in the RAM 3.The transmission information data includes data of transmission time,transmission date, and name and telephone number of the transmissiondestination. Then, the routine proceeds to S222.

If no facsimile data has been transmitted (S225:NO), then the routineskips S226 and directly proceeds to S222.

In this way, the transmission maintenance report is outputted by theuser operating key switches or at a predetermined of timing. The usercan examine the transmission maintenance report to gain an understandingof corresponding transmission sources of backup reception data stored inthe RAM 3.

According to the present invention described above, the user canoptionally select whether an ink empty mark should be recorded on thesheet or not.

Also, the transmission maintenance information can be automaticallyrecorded at a optional time according to the user's desire without theuser inputting the command for this purpose. The user can view atransmission maintenance report when attempting to record or erasebackup data from the backup memory. Therefore, the user can gain anaccurate grasp of the transmission maintenance information withoutscrolling transmission maintenance information on a small screen. Inthis way, the number of troublesome and erroneous operations performedby the user can be greatly decreased.

In order to enable the user to distinguish between stored imageinformation and unstored image information, transmission maintenanceinformation can be printed with a plurality of different colored ink,with predetermined marks, or with wording that informs the user thatimage information is stored as backup data or not.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled inthe art that various changes and modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of whichis defined by the attached claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mark flag and thebackup flag are provided and operations are selectively performedaccording to the combinations of these two flags and according topresence and absence of external light. However, there is no need toconfigure the device of the present invention in this manner. Forexample, one or neither of the mark flag and the backup flag need to beused. If neither of the mark flag and the backup flag is used, thefacsimile device should be configured to always operate as though boththe mark flag and the backup flag are ON. If the mark flag is used butno backup flag is provided, operations should be performed as though thebackup flag is continually ON. Further, if the backup flag is used butno mark flag is provided, operations should be performed as though themark flag is ON.

Also, in the present embodiment, a necessary amount of backup data whichhas been printed is automatically erased from the RAM 3 when the RAM 3is in the full condition. However, the user can prohibit the automaticerasure of backup data by operating predetermined key switches.

Although liquid ink is used in the above-described embodiment, solidtype print materials, such as hot melt ink, or powder type printmaterials, such as toner, can be used.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, cartridges are exchanged whenink runs out. However, a reusable type of cartridge can be used. In thiscase, when ink runs out, a cartridge is refilled with ink without thecartridge being replaced.

Also, a plurality of different colored inks can be used for enablingcolor printing or only a single color ink can be used for monochromeprinting.

Instead of a single cartridge capable of storing each different coloredink separately, a plurality of cartridges each storing a differentcolored ink can be used.

The transmission circuit can be a public telephone line or a dedicatedline or can be a wire transmission circuit or a wireless transmissioncircuit.

Any type of memory can be used, for example, a RAM, a flash memory, or ahard disk.

Further, the indication mark can be any shape or color. However, itshould be noted that ink for printing image information and ink forprinting an indication mark are supplied through the same ink passagesfrom the same cartridge, and so should be the same color.

Although in the above-described embodiment, the facsimile deviceincludes an ink Jet type printing device, the facsimile device caninclude any type of printing device, such as a photoelectric typeprinter, as long as it is capable of printing of data.

The mark detection sensor can be any type of unit as long as it iscapable of detecting an indication mark based on light reflected fromthe indication mark.

Although the mark sensor 15 detected both external light and anindication mark in the above-described embodiment, two separate sensorscan be provided each for detecting one of external light and indicationmarks.

Although the facsimile device is described as an example of atransmission device in the above-described embodiment, any type oftransmission device, such as a multifunction peripheral device, can beused. A multifunction peripheral device is a device connected to acomputer, such as a personal computer, and includes a variety ofdifferent functions, such as a facsimile transmission function, aprinter function, an image scanner function, or a copy function.

Although in the above-described embodiment the user inputs commands bysimultaneously pressing down two different predetermined key switches,the user can input commands by any other appropriate manner.

Although in the above-described embodiment, information relating tobackup data is printed on the transmission maintenance informationreport, such information can be printed on a separate backup reportother than the transmission maintenance information report.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transmission device comprising: a framedefining an internal space; a receiving unit that is connected to aremote transmission device and receives image data from the remotetransmission device; a buffer memory that temporarily stores the imagedata; an information memory that stores managing data relating to amanaging information about the image data; a storage member that storesand supplies recording material; a print unit that prints an imagesbased on the image data, and an indication mark, and the managinginformation based on the managing data on a recording medium having aprint region and an outside region the print unit printing the imagewithin the print region and further printing the indication mark at anindicator position in the outside region using the recording material; afirst sensor mounted within the frame that detects the indication markprinted on the recording medium and outputs a mark detection signal; asecond sensor co-mounted within the frame that detects external lightand outputs a light detection signal; a backup memory; and first controlmeans for controlling the backup memory to store the image data inresponse to at least one of the mark detection signal and the lightdetection signal.
 2. The transmission device according to claim 1,further comprising second control means for controlling the print unitto print the managing information when requested by a user.
 3. Thetransmission device according to claim 2, wherein the second controlmeans also controls the print unit to print the managing information ata predetermined timing.
 4. The transmission device according to claim 3,wherein the managing information includes at least one of a receptiontime, a reception date, a name of a transmission source of the imagedata, a telephone number of the transmission source of the image data,whether or not the image data is stored in the backup memory, andwhether or not the image has been printed based on the image data. 5.The transmission device according to claim 4, wherein the managinginformation further includes a first information relating to the imagedata which has been stored in the backup memory and a second informationrelating to the image data which has not been stored in the backupmemory, and wherein the second control means controls the print unit toprint the first information and the second information such that thefirst information and the second information are distinguishable by auser.
 6. The transmission device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: third control means for controlling the print unit to printthe image and the indication mark, wherein when the first sensor detectsthat the indication mark is acceptable while the print unit is printingunder the aegis of the third control means, the first control meanscontrols the backup memory not to store the image data.
 7. Thetransmission device according to claim 6, wherein when the second sensordetects external light while the print unit is printing under the aegisof the third control means, the first control means controls the backupmemory to store the image data, and the third control means controls theprint unit to stop printing.
 8. The transmission device according toclaim 7, further comprising an operation unit through which a userinputs a command, wherein the print unit is set to selective one of afirst mode in which the print unit prints the indication mark and asecond mode in which the print unit does not print the indication mark,and the user selects either the first mode or the second mode of theprint unit by inputting the command through the operation unit.
 9. Thetransmission device according to claim 8, wherein the backup memory isset to selective one of a first state in which the backup memory storesthe image data and a second state in which the backup memory does notstore the image data, and the user selects either the first state or thesecond state of the backup memory by inputting the command through theoperation unit.
 10. The transmission device according to claim 1,wherein, the recording material is ink, the print unit is an ink jetprint unit including a print head formed with a nozzle through which theink is ejected as ink droplet toward the recording medium, and thestorage member is a cartridge storing the ink and is detachably mountedon the print head.
 11. The transmission device according to claim 1,wherein the first sensor is a reflection type photoelectric tube havinga light source that emits light onto the indication mark, and the firstsensor detects the indication mark based on light reflected from theindication mark.
 12. A program storage medium storing a program ofcontrolling a transmission device including a frame defining an internalspace, the program comprising: a reception program for receiving imagedata; a buffer memory program for temporarily storing the image datainto a buffer memory; an information memory program for storing managingdata relating to a managing information about the image data into aninformation memory; a first print program for printing an imagebased onthe image data, and an indication mark when the image data is receivedon a recording medium; a first detection program for detecting theindication mark at a predetermined position within the internal spaceprinted on the recording medium at an indicator position; a firstdetermining program for determining whether the indication mark isacceptable or unacceptable; a second detection program for attempting todetect external light at the predetermined position; a seconddetermining program for determining whether or not external light isdetected at the predetermined position; and a storing program forstoring the image data into a backup memory in response to at least oneof a detection result relating to the indication mark and a detectionresult relating to external light.
 13. The program storage mediumaccording to claim 12, wherein the program further comprises: a secondprint program for printing the managing information based on themanaging data when requested by a user.
 14. The program storage mediumaccording to claim 13, wherein the program further comprises a thirdprint program for printing the managing information based on themanaging data at a predetermined timing.
 15. The program storage mediumaccording to claim 13, wherein the managing information includes atleast one of a reception time, a reception date, a name of atransmission source of the image data, a telephone number of thetransmission source of the image data, whether or not the image data isstored in the backup memory, and whether or not the image has beenprinted based on the image data.
 16. A method of controlling atransmission device including a frame defining an internal space, themethod comprising the steps of: receiving image data; temporarilystoring the image data into a buffer memory; storing managing datarelating to a managing information about the image data into aninformation memory; printing an image based on the image data and anindication mark when the image data is received on a recording medium;detecting the indication mark at a predetermined position within theinternal space printed on the recording medium at an indicator position;determining whether the indication mark is detected as acceptable orunacceptable; attempting to detect external light at the predeterminedposition; determining whether or not external light is detected at thepredetermined position; and storing the image data into a backup memoryin response to at least one of a detection result relating to theindication mark and a detection result relating to external light. 17.The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step ofprinting the managing information based on the managing data whenrequested by a user.
 18. The method according to claim 17, furthercomprising the step of printing the managing information based on themanaging data at a predetermined timing.
 19. The method according toclaim 18, wherein the managing information includes at least one of areception time, a reception date, a name of a transmission source of theimage data, a telephone number of the transmission source of the imagedata, whether or not the image data is stored in the backup memory, andwhether or not the image has been printed based on the image data.